Brook Leisure plans casino

Brook Leisure, the Barnsley-based late-night venue operator, has submitted plans to develop a leisure scheme on the site of the former National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) headquarters in Sheffield.

The company, which has signed a lease on the property, proposes to convert the building into a 38,000sq ft casino, including two restaurants and a rooftop bar.

Founded by chairman Martin Brook in 1993, the group operates 12 sites across the UK, and is currently working on a number of substantial development schemes.

Chief executive Jason Brook said: "The NUM building is one of Sheffield's most prominent, but has been left behind during the city's recent regeneration and it's hard to believe that the UK's fourth largest city does not have a city-centre casino.

"We are excited at the prospect of bringing the building back to life as a new entertainment destination, which will in turn create new employment opportunities."

In February, the company placed seven sites on the market as part of a strategic review of its estate.

The company appointed property advisor Fleurets to market the portfolio, which comprises the Che branded bars in Stockton-on-Tees and Huddersfield; Livingstones in Chesterfield; the Coco & Crystal nightclub in Bradford; the Trilogy in Doncaster; the Mink in Oldham; and Bambooza in Stockport.

The sites, which are all leasehold and available individually or as a group, range in price from nil premium to £200,000.